Conditions: This trip requires a minimum of 3 adult fares to run. If you are a solo, please contact our reception on 0800 248666 or check our list of guaranteed departures, to join an existing trip.

Have you recently thought it was time for a treat?

What about a Luxury Adventure?

We have noticed that many of our guests would like to experience several days on the river, as in a multi day rafting trip, but prefer quite a bit more comfort than what a normal camping style experience brings.

Luckily for us, downstream from River Valley Lodge is Tarata Fishaway a very nicely set up Fishing Lodge, and just the ideal place to spend a second night on the river.

Now we had a Beautiful Section of River to Explore, and Two Special Riverside Lodges to Overnight In

So after a days exploring, this means comfy beds each night in a Lodge type setting, hot tubs overlooking the river, great food, freshly prepared for you, two relaxing days on the river, PLUS, great scenery, and no worries.

In fact a total escape and chill out.

Itinerary

You arrive at River Valley Lodge in time for dinner the night before departure on the river.

The next morning you get kitted out in river gear, pack up your clothing onto the raft and say good bye to civilisation for the day.

Spend the rest of the day cruising downstream, discover the spectacular Ohutu Falls, enjoy a picnic lunch on the river bank, arriving mid to late afternoon at Tarata Fishaway.

What Happens Next is Not Necessarily in the Following Order

The following morning, after a relaxing start, you are back on the river discovering what lies further downstream.

You will journey through the spectacular Mokai Canyon, including having a chance to gaze up at the Gravity Canyon Bungy, Giant Swing, and Extreme Flying Fox set up.

If you wish we can stop here and give you the opportunity to jump off something REALLY HIGH

You will also take in some of the canyon that featured in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Again we pause on the riverbank for a picnic lunch, finishing the trip mid afternoon.

Our shuttle vehicle will meet you at this point and transport you back to River Valley Lodge. (Alternatively a helicopter can meet you at the take out and fly you directly back to the Lodge – this is for an additional amount).

Why Not Stay an Extra Night?

From River Valley Lodge you can either journey home, or alternatively stay an extra night.

There is the opportunity the following morning, now that you have a taste for being on the river, to join a Grade 5 Rafting Trip , or use some different muscles and go horse back riding, viewing the Rangitikei River Canyon from a totally different angle.

(The extra night and activity is not included in the Lodge to Lodge price)

Testimonials 'n Reviews

“We also enjoyed the tranquillity of the place. It’s very laid back, and really easy to be there. Yet, there are really quite high levels of customer service. The two don’t normally go hand in hand in our experience..”

When considering what obstacles there were to us coming to River Valley, and taking part in a Lodge to Lodge trip, we couldn’t really think of any. It is a reasonable distance from the airport, but it was a great drive, so even that was not a big deal.

Once we got here, we found it was absolutely everything we had hoped for. It was everything we saw online, it was absolutely superb. We could not have been happier.

What stood out the most for us was the friendliness of the staff. They were wonderful, and made us feel very comfortable in an environment that we had never experienced before. We really enjoyed being part of it.

We loved the accommodation, the fantastic food and great people. The guides were superb, and the water is simply spectacular.

We also enjoyed the tranquillity of the place. It’s very laid back, and really easy to be there. Yet, there are really quite high levels of customer service. The two don’t normally go hand in hand in our experience. Very laid back, very relaxed, quite comfortable and yet those high standards of customer service.

We would without a doubt recommend River Valley and the Lodge to Lodge trip it to all our friends, and other like-minded people.

We also think that any Mum and Dad with a couple of young kids between five and fifteen would have a fantastic time. The Lodge to Lodge trip really isn’t that difficult, it’s just a combination of thoroughly spectacular scenery, spectacular environment and just a really good time.

We’ll be back.

Nick, UK
Paul, Sydney

As recent guests Toni and Steve recollected;

“This suits anyone who likes a wilderness experience. Fun rapids, scenic and not as tiring as other trips. The days aren’t too long, food is excellent, the quality of accommodation is exceptional. We’ll definitely be back.”

“He was an absolute gem. Informative and interesting company as well as making us feel extremely safe in his capable hands. It wasn’t only Ben who was looking after us and making sure we enjoyed our days, we were constantly aware how the back up team at River Valley Lodge were making sure everything ran like clockwork.”

We wanted a break with a difference. A bit of excitement, exercise, a decent bed and proper food that we didn’t have to cook for ourselves. River Valley provided all of this. They were brilliantly organized and mindful of our individual needs.

We opted for the 2 day Overnight Raft trip, spending the night at Tarata Homestead, and then a full day horse trecking excursion with a days rest in between.

After a superb breakfast at the Lodge, we set off with Ben our rafter and guide along the Rangitiki River. He was an absolute gem. Informative and interesting company as well as making us feel extremely safe in his capable hands. It wasn’t only Ben who was looking after us and making sure we enjoyed our days, we were constantly aware how the back up team at River Valley Lodge were making sure everything ran like clockwork.

The picnic lunch was sensational. A proper picnic table appeared from the riverbank and there was so much food we couldn’t eat it all. Best of all were two hot flasks of water for us to make hot drinks with to keep us warm. As soon as our days rafting was finished we were met by Steve and whisked away in a 4 wheel drive up a very steep hill to Tarata Lodge. A bottle of wine and a beautifully appointed room awaited us together with a secluded spa overlooking the valley.

What luxury
Then to surpass it all we were given a beautiful 3 course meal by Steve’s wife Trudi. A good night’s sleep, great cooked breakfast, a trip around the homestead and we were off again for further exploration down the river with another hearty picnic lunch half way.

Soon the day was over and as we rounded what was to be our last bend in the river, Arnie from the Lodge was waiting for us. Both boys packed the raft away in record time and we were taken back to River Valley Lodge for another superb dinner and remenisce on the beautiful sights and sounds that we had seen and experienced on our trip.